Turkish AF, USAF learn Paver Published Oct. 31, 2019 By Tech. Sgt. Jim Araos 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Turkish and U.S. Air Force civil engineers, contractors and pavement managers conducted annual Paver training here Oct. 21 to 25. Paver is a pavement management software tool that allows engineers to collect data on an airfield to determine pavement condition index, or PCI, ratings from zero to 100. Based upon the condition rating and types of distresses recorded, engineers can estimate the total quantity of future repairs and make decisions on what areas need reconstruction. It is an economical tool that allowed Turkish and U.S. Air Force students to work together toward the maintenance of Incirlik’s airfield and utilize funds effectively. Paver-managed pavements sustain healthy airfields and allow continued aircraft operations, which is the goal of both air forces. “The class benefited me very well because I normally work on the pavements so this gives me the ability to prioritize what repairs to make,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Perna, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and grounds contracting office representative. “Making the repairs at the right time makes a huge difference to the pavement. With decisive maintenance planning and scheduling, we can prolong the operational time of our airfield pavements.” Paver is a standard way of collecting data allowing anyone with any level of experience to collect and record the quantities of pavement severities. In the process of collecting data, students learned the commonalities of paving airfields between two air forces. “This year, we have a lot of Turkish students in the class,” said Wayne Seiler, Air Force Civil Engineer Center Paver instructor, from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. “They’re trying to find a way to manage the pavements of their air bases throughout the country. We’re trying to encourage other countries to use Paver so that our NATO allies can efficiently manage their pavements.” Students worked together to reach their goals of learning the essentials of gathering PCI data. After sampling a section of an airfield, Paver provided students with a 95-percent accurate result from their limited sampling. When it comes to the design and construction of an airfield, students will need to provide an in-depth detailed analysis of 100 percent of the airfield to provide reliable solutions. With the intent of routine maintenance, 95-percent accurate results are acceptable to maintain airfield operations. “It’s a common goal to keep our pavements safe for aircraft operations and (the students) enjoyed our exercises,” said Seiler. “The students were committed to moving ahead with pavement management. The one thing about this is you don't do it just one time--it’s like a living process. You survey every four years, update the construction history and there seems to be a lot of interest in applying Paver to Incirlik’s operations.”